Capitals Open the Door to an Ivan Miroshnichenko Trade

Ivan Miroshnichenko could be looking at a fresh start outside Washington.

The Capitals have given the young forward and his representatives permission to talk with other NHL teams about a possible trade.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the news on Saturday Headlines and shared more details on the 32 Thoughts podcast. He said there is interest in Miroshnichenko, but the Capitals want a good return before making a deal.

Washington is also avoiding waivers, where another team could claim the forward without sending anything back.

Egor Chinakhov’s move from Columbus to Pittsburgh last December could give some idea of what a deal might look like. The Blue Jackets received forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick.

Chinakhov had 77 points in 204 games with Columbus before the trade. Miroshnichenko has six goals and eight assists in 55 NHL games with Washington.

He has spent more time with the AHL’s Hershey Bears, recording 46 goals and 55 assists in 141 games. Finding a regular spot in Washington’s lineup has been a challenge, and a move to another team could give him a better chance to play.

Chinakhov saw more ice time in Pittsburgh and finished with 39 points in 51 games after the trade. The Penguins later signed him to a three-year, $18.75 million contract extension in July 2026.

Miroshnichenko is in the first year of a two-year, $1.85 million extension that runs through the 2026-27 season.

A trade is not guaranteed. Friedman noted that an injury could open a spot for Miroshnichenko in Washington, which may affect how quickly the team looks to move him.

For now, the Capitals are listening to offers. The next step depends on whether another team is willing to meet their asking price.